Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Carlin or Lesser Indian Spitz? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller)" Compare Maltese and Pug. Which is better: Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Maltese	Pug	Indian Spitz (Smaller)
Origins	Italy	China	India
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	33	31	429
Reviews	3	13	2
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller) breeds.	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Carlin Chinese Pug Dutch Bulldog Dutch Mastiff Mini Mastiff Mops	Lesser Indian Spitz Smaller Indian Spitz
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller)? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller)? Compare adult weight ranges.	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	Male: 13-20 pounds (6-9 kg), Female: 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg)	11-15 pounds (5-7 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	Male: 16.5 pounds (7.5 kg), Female: 15.5 pounds (7 kg)	13 pounds (6 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)? Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) height comparison:	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	Male: 12-14 inches (30-36 cm), Female: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm)	8-10 inches (20-25 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)	Male: 13 inches (33 cm), Female: 11 inches (27.5 cm)	9 inches (22.5 cm)

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Find price differences between these breeds.	$600-$800	$300-$500	Unknown
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)?	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Pug is quite easy to get.	Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which breed ranks highest?	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Very smart: Indian Spitz (Smaller) is an excellent dog breed. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which is easiest to train?	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	A slightly harder to train than average. See more.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs are very easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which breed is most alert?	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Pug dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which breed is most protective?	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Pug dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller)? Compare temperaments.	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Playful Courageous Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Cheerful	Active Playful Intelligent Loyal Kind Athletic Communicative
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Pug dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller)?	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Pug dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average: Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) social needs comparison:	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Pug dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Pug dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Pug dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which breed is most vocal?	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average: The Pug barks occasionally. See more.	A lot: Indian Spitz (Smaller) is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which breed is most playful?	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Pugs, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Indian Spitz (Smaller) is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Pug breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Indian Spitz (Smaller) breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which breed is most flexible?	Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Pug dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)?	Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Pug dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Pug has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Indian Spitz (Smaller) has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which uses mouth most during play?	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Pug dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Pug bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Indian Spitz (Smaller) bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which breed lives longest?	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Pug: 13 years	12-16 years The average lifespan of Indian Spitz (Smaller): 14 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which has fewer health issues?	The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Very healthy dog breed.	Indian Spitz (Smaller)s are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Rare The Pug should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Rare The Indian Spitz (Smaller) should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller)? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) health problems comparison:	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Entropion Vaccination Sensitivity Demodectic Mange Distichiasis Corneal Ulcers Dry Eye Hemi-vertebrae Cheyletiella Dermatitis Nerve Degeneration Proptosis Pug Dog Encephalitis Staphylococcus Infection Yeast Infection	No data available

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which breed is most active?	Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Pug dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Pug dogs exercise need is minimal.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)?	Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Pug dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which is most prone to obesity?	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.	High: The Pug breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.	Low: The Indian Spitz (Smaller) has good luck with genetics. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which needs most food?	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). What colors are available?	White	Black Fawn	White Brown Black & White
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Effortless: The Pug requires minimal grooming. See more.	Average: The Indian Spitz (Smaller) requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which drools least?	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Pug is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Indian Spitz (Smaller) is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Pug has a high chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Indian Spitz (Smaller) has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). How do their fur characteristics differ?	Feathered	Fine	Thick
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which requires most frequent baths?	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)? Maltese or Pug or {name3 shedding:	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Pug dogs shed above average. See more.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which is best with kids?	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Pug dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Pug dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Pug dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)?	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Pug dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)?	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Pug dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller)?	Yes Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	No Pug dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.	Yes Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Pug is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Indian Spitz (Smaller) is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.	Pugs are usually recommended for elderly people.	Indian Spitz (Smaller)s are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which is best suited for service work?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which has best nose work ability?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which is best for SAR work?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Pug breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Indian Spitz (Smaller) breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which is best for draft work?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which has most military use?	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which has most puppies?	3-5 puppies	2-4 puppies	1-3 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). What's recommended?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Toy breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Maltese, Pug, and Indian Spitz (Smaller). Which has most recognition?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club	No data available

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